Social engagement pattern, health behaviors and subjective well-being of older adults: an international perspective using WHO-SAGE survey data

Abstract

Background: Social engagement forms the basis of social relationships by providing a sense of belonging, social identity, and fulfillment. Previous research demonstrates that social engagement was associated with positive health behaviors among older adults. However, the results have been different across health-related behaviors, and mostly based on data from high-income countries. For example, studies from the US and UK showed that social engagement was protective against smoking, while others found social engagement encouraged more smoking in many Asian cultures. In this study, we aim to examine the association between social engagement and a range of health-related behaviors and subjective well-being among older adults in six low-to middle-income countries. Methods: Data from the WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave 1) were used. A total of 33,338 individuals aged 50 and older in China, Russia, India, Ghana, South Africa, and Mexico were included. Social engagement, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, depression symptoms, self-rated health status, and quality of life were assessed using established self-reported measures. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between social engagement and nine outcome variables, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Lower levels of social engagement were positively related to physical inactivity, prolonged sitting time, unhealthy sleep duration, perceived depression, poor self-rated health, and low quality of life. However, the associations between social engagement and tobacco use, excessive drinking, and insufficient fruit and vegetable intake were mixed across countries. Conclusion: This international study found high social engagement as a potential health-promoting factor in some low-to middle-income countries. Although the impacts of social engagement on tobacco and alcohol use and diet were complicated and culture-specific, interventions at both individual and community levels should encourage healthy lifestyles through positive social engagement.

Predictors and Importance of Social Aspects in Ikigai among Older Women

“…First, we discuss the aspect of behavior being guided by motivation. By participating in numerous social activities, participants perceived that they were in good health [43] and experienced positive emotions, such as higher self-esteem [44]. Their confidence was increased by their ability to take part in events and maintain their health despite their advanced age.…”

Neighborhood environment, social participation, and physical activity in older adults with lower limb osteoarthritis: A mediation analysis

“…For example, a cross-sectional study among older Japanese people found that those who participated in social activities were also more physically active (Kikuchi et al, 2017). Luo and colleagues reported similar results in an international comparison of six countries (Luo et al, 2020).…”

Multidimensional Social Network Types and Their Correlates in Older Americans

“…Network structure determines the type and quantity of resources available. For instance, having a larger network and more contact with network ties offers access to more resources ( 5 ) and more opportunities for social engagement and cognitively stimulating interactions that in turn enhance well-being ( 6 ) . Similarly, having a diverse network offers more opportunities to compensate for network losses as well as to call on diverse sets of resources in response to specific social, emotional, and health-related needs ( 7 ) .…”